Slacklining

Walk the Line

Practiced in the garden, on college campuses and in city parks, sometimes even 3000 feet above the ground! Some do it for fun, others for athletic benefit, and others still for meditative purposes.

What exactly is slacklining?

Slacklining is a practice in balance that typically uses a 2.5-centimetre nylon webbing tensioned between two anchor points. It is distinctly different to tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut (although it is still under some tension). Instead, it is stretchy and bounces – something like a narrow trampoline. The line's tension can be adjusted to suit the user and the dynamic nature of the line also allows for impressive tricks and stunts.

Practiced in the garden, on college campuses and in city parks, sometimes even 3000 feet above the ground! Some do it for fun, others for athletic benefit, and others still for meditative purposes.

What’s the difference between slacklining and highlining?

Highlining is basically slacklining taken to the extreme! In other words, people take the usually low-lying slackline to great heights. Adrenaline junkies will fix the line between mountains and over valleys, for the love of the challenge.

How is this sport suited to the average Joe?

Slacklining typically comes across as a simple balance sport but it is so much more than that. It doesn’t matter how old or fit you are, it’s still one of the most effective ways to exercise in your own backyard! Simply set it up as high or as low as you like. You don’t have to be particularly sporty to conquer the slackline either. For someone who lacks the confidence to perform or take part in sports (competitive or not), you can set up a slackline 30 centimetres from the ground at home with no one watching. It’s amazing the confidence you gain after achieving a couple of steps on a slackline that you previously presumed impossible. Practice makes perfect!

What are the benefits of slacklining?

Exceptional core strength training as well as total conditioning from head to toe, including exercising the sleeping parts of the brain that are not used every day.

What does SA Slacklines offer?

We play, train and entertain, performing at private events. We also rig slackline installations in people’s homes, rig and cast for slackline commercials, and even do childrens’ birthday parties. We also hold slacklining workshops and offer workshops to under-privileged children. The sport initiates amazing unity between people, encouraging each other on the slackline. It somehow brings people together. SA Slacklines also produces a range of proudly South African slacklines, tricklines and highlines made to purchase. The great thing about the slackline/trickline kit is that it’s a once-off expense and from then on it will need virtually no maintenance nor incur replacement costs.